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Youth Ocean Conservation Summit

Empowering the next generation of ocean conservationists!

Around the world, our planet’s oceans and their inhabitants face many challenges. As human impacts continuously threaten the health of our marine ecosystems, both locally and globally, it is imperative that we involve youth in a campaign to solve these problems.

The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (YOCS) was created by Sean Russell in 2011 to provide youth participants the opportunity to learn from marine scientists and conservationists about the current threats facing marine ecosystems, both locally and globally. This annual event also teaches participants about the ways other youth are currently working to protect marine ecosystems, and then allows them to work with their peers to develop action plans for their own ocean conservation projects. Workshops offered at the summit allow participants to gain the skills necessary to successfully implement conservation projects, teach participants about career opportunities in marine conservation, and expose them to opportunities they can take part in to help protect our planet's oceans and their inhabitants.

Sean's work spread with the first satellite Youth Ocean Conservation Summit held on July 22, 2014 in Annapolis, MD in association with the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) 2014 Conference and the National Aquarium’s Aquarium on Wheels program. The 2015 Satellite Youth Ocean Conservation Summit Baltimore is scheduled for April 19, 2015.

Application Requirements

All YOCS applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in grades 9 - 12

Be able to attend the Youth Summit independent of a parent/guardian

Have an interest in conservation, environmental science/studies, or general science

Pay a registration fee of $15 for the summit only - OR - $20 for the summit plus optional behind-the-scenes tour

How To Register

Complete responses to questions that relate to why you would like to participate in the Youth Summit.

Submit completed registration form by the April 6th application deadline.

Include payment for the registration fee of $15 for the summit only - OR - $20 for the summit plus optional behind-the-scenes tour.Payment by check made out to the National Aquarium, cash or money order (lunch & give-a-ways included).

Participants will receive confirmation of participation by April 15, 2015. Space is limited. Spots filled on a first-come first-served basis.